Help local rice farmers: Choose organic

F ARMERS in the Philippines are forced to sell their goods at a very cheap rate. But with more and more Filipinos gradually making the switch to healthier, locally produced organic food, our health and local support can now come together.

The Philippines has a population of more than 108 million, according to the latest United Nations estimate. According to the Philippine Rice Research Institute, Filipinos consume around five cups of rice everyday, contributing to the big per capita consumption of rice in the country which is 119 kilograms a year.

In a country where rice is a staple in every household, if Filipinos choose to buy from Filipino farmers, it would make a great impact in the local economy.

Understandably, rice shortage has led to rice imports, but local farmers shouldn’t be overlooked, nor should the practice of “haggling” be taken too far.

But with health at the forefront, one should consider the health benefits that can be reaped by eating organic rice versus white rice that have been hulled, therefore having its nutrients stripped.

Why should you choose organic rice? Here are its benefits.

Brown rice for weight loss

Brown rice is absorbed slowly and is a good source of fiber and carbs. This is ideal to eat before a workout session. Brown rice also makes you feel fuller. Apart from these, brown rice is also rich in selenium, manganese, and naturally-occurring oils.

Red rice for lower blood sugar levels

The high fiber content in red rice slows down the digestion process, thus slowing down the rate that carbohydrates are converted into blood sugar, resulting to lower glycemic load. Aside from these, red rice is also rich in manganese which helps strengthen metabolism, lower blood pressure, and lessen risks of heart attacks. It’s also a source of calcium and rich in vitamin B6.

Black rice to help lessen risk of cancer

Black rice has high content of anthocyanins, a cancer-fighting antioxidant. It’s more nutrient-dense than brown and red rice combined. It’s rich in fiber, loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, phytochemicals, vitamin E, protein, iron, and other nutrients. It also has low sugar and glycemic content. It’s believed to be beneficial for heart patients, diabetics, and those with high blood pressure.

These are reasons why you should choose healthy, organic rice, whether it’s brown, red, or black. When you choose locally produced organic food, not only are you choosing your health, you are also choosing to support Filipino farmers.*

PHOTO BY STYLE CRAZE COMPARED to hulled, white rice, brown rice has more nutrients. These nutrients are contained in the outer shell of the grains and are stripped off during the hulling process. RED rice is rich in fiber and vitamin B6, among others. Its rich fiber content slows down digestion and the release of sugar, leading to lower glycemic content and lower blood sugar levels.

PHOTO BY HELLOSEHAT FACED with options, always choose your health, choose organic. Perfect brown, red, and black rice is cooked by soaking the rice in water for at least 30 minutes before turning on the stove or cooker. Water level should be at least twice the amount of rice.

PHOTO BY PIPING HOT CURRY BROWN rice is rich in selenium, manganese, and fiber. This also promote weight loss.

PHOTO BY MARIA USHAKOVA BLACK rice has more nutrients than brown and red rice combined. It’s rich in antioxidants that help lower cholesterol, improve memory, and lessen the risk of cancer. It’s also a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals, among others.